Students want a career in academe

FEARS that Australia won’t be able to replenish its academic and research workforce may be contradicted in a yet-to-be released government report. But while the National Research Student Survey, obtained in draft form by the HES, shows more than half of those surveyed plan to pursue such a career, it also reveals 40 per cent expect to do so overseas in the medium to long term. And of those who want an academic career, 30 per cent acknowledge it is an unrealistic ambition. Nevertheless, the survey for the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations concludes there is “potential within this group for ensuring the future sustainability of the academic workforce”.